Preliminary Judges for 2008 Miss Universe

Meet this year's panel of judges for Miss Universe Beauty Pageant Preliminary Competition to be held on July 6-7, where the judges will got the chance to interview the 80 candidates one by one for a personal interview. And on July 8 for the presentation show where they are judged in swimsuits and pageant wear to be held at Crown Convention Center in Vietnam. The judges will have to choose their Top 15 candidates that will compete for the finals on July 13 to be telecast live on NBC.

ROSALINA TRAN LYDSTER

Born in Vietnam, Rosalina Tran Lydster worked as a co-designer for the official Miss Universe Crown for the 2008 pageant. A graduate of San Francisco State University and the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Lydster has designed pieces for a wide variety of celebrities and her jewelry has appeared in major films such Superman Returns. She was also recognized in 2007 as the Pacific Asian American Women Bay Area Coalition's recipient of the Achievement in Fashion Award. According to Lydster, "from minimalist to extravagant, my goal is for my creations to truly express the personalities of my clients."

ADEL CHABBI

French-born Adel Chabbi has over 23 years of experience as a hair dresser, working with notable clients including Alicia Silverstone, Lauren Hutton and Jessica Lange, to name a few. Specializing in hair extensions for many years, Adel has become an expert in the field. His know-how landed him several TV appearances over the years, including spots on Bravo's "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," NBC's "Today Show" and "Extra." He has also styled for major fashion and beauty magazines including French Vogue, Glamour, Elle and many more.

LEIGH ROSSINI

Born in New York, Leigh Rossini began her career in 1993 shampooing hair for Louis Licari Color Group on some of the most influential people in the world. In 1995 she left New York for New Mexico where she earned her degree in Communications. After graduating she returned to Louis Licari Salon in New York City as Mr. Licari's personal assistant and soon after became Louis Licari Salon's first in-house Publicist. Today Rossini works side by side with Licari and his team in New York and Beverly Hills and is responsible for the company's publicity efforts.

DEAN McFLIKER

Dean is the Vice President of NBC Primetime Special Projects, where he produces, directs and choreographs countless productions and has created the promotional campaigns for "ER," "Law & Order," "Grease: You're The One That I Want," "The Biggest Loser," "The Apprentice," "America's Got Talent," "American Dreams," "American Gladiators," "Deal or No Deal," "The Singing Bee" and many more. On Broadway, Dean has choreographed "Sha*Bang" (Lincoln Center), "Gypsy of the Year" (Virginia Theater), "Upfront" (Radio City Music Hall) as well as international tours, concerts and benefits for Tina Turner, Kool & The Gang, Ray Charles, The Temptations, The Pointer Sisters, Debbie Reynolds, and Carol Channing. Recently, Dean was a choreographer for "Blame It On Bacharach" at the Wilshire Theater and is currently executive producing a "Heroes" one hour special airing September 22nd on NBC.

* Miss Universe 2008 Complete Coverage